Thousands of NHS staff given bill rebates by Wessex Water

Published
by
Faye Tryhorn at 1:05pm 16th April 2020.
(Updated at 1:45pm 16th April 2020)

3 minute read

The local supplier is offering those who need to wash uniforms at home some support during the Covid-19 outbreak.

More than 5,000 NHS staff have now applied for the rebate.

Wessex Water's brought it in for staff on a water meter who would have seen an increase in their water bills due to having to wash their uniforms separately from other clothes and at a higher temperature, following infection control guidance.

Households eligible can claim up to £50 off their Wessex Water bill, to make sure they're not paying more than they normally would at this time.

Doctors, nurses, carers and other NHS workers are having to wash their uniforms at home, pushing up their water bills

"We felt it was only right that a rebate should be provided in recognition of NHS workers who are washing their own uniforms at home.

"During this period the NHS uniformed staff are having to wash their clothes more often as they are working more shifts than in normal times. And all their clothes now have to be washed separately to their normal loads.

"We don't think it's fair for these workers to pay more for their water given that they are at the very front line of the fight against Coronavirus, which is why we're offering the rebate."

Frontline @NHSuk workers dealing with #COVID19 can now apply for a water rebate from us and @BristolWater to help cover the additional water used when washing their uniforms separately at home on a higher heat.

THANKS FROM NHS WORKERS

It's a move that's proved really popular with healthcare staff on the frontline of the pandemic as well.

NHS worker Karen Triggs said:

"As we are following strict national guidance on infection prevention and control we need to wash our uniforms more and my machine can be on twice a day.

"This is a really challenging time for the NHS and our colleagues really appreciate all the help that we are getting from organisations such as Wessex Water. We'd like to thank them for their amazing support."

Paramedic Laura Brown said:

"My poor washing machine is certainly taking a battering."

Washing machines are being used more by NHS workers at the moment, due to infection control guidelines

HOW TO APPLY

Wessex Water customers who are on a water meter and are working for the NHS can benefit from the rebates.